Protests in Chavakkad after NH-66 collapse: Expert panel to inspect site at Kooriyad amid safety concerns by locals

Malappuram: Recent incidents of road collapses along newly constructed national highways across Kerala have raised serious concerns among the public on road safety. Environmental activists and political leaders had earlier warned of potential dangers, citing the state’s unique geographical and ecological characteristics. However, their concerns were largely dismissed in the enthusiasm surrounding infrastructure development, which promised smoother travel for Keralites.

A meeting was convened at the Malappuram Collectorate on Tuesday in response to the collapse of a highway section at Kooriyad. NH-66 Project Director Anshul Sharma claimed there was no unscientific construction involved in the six-lane highway project. He made this assertion during a discussion attended by District Collector V.R. Vinod, local MLAs, and National Highway officials.

Sharma suggested that the road damage could be attributed to soil erosion at the foundation level, possibly triggered by rainfall-induced pressure. An independent three-member expert committee appointed by the National Highways Authority is set to visit the site on Wednesday and submit a detailed report. Further discussions involving MLAs and local representatives will follow based on the findings.

Despite this, several MLAs, including P.K. Kunhalikutty, criticised the authorities for ignoring repeated warnings about poor construction practices. He pointed out that the National Highways Authority had neglected feedback and raised concern over the filling of paddy fields, which could lead to structural failures. He also noted that an overbridge proposed at Kooriyad was never constructed. MLAs P. Abdul Hameed and K.K. Abid Hussain Thangal echoed these sentiments, stating that the District Development Committee had issued multiple warnings which went unheeded.

Local representatives highlighted that waterlogging has worsened due to the road being built on reclaimed paddy fields. Previously, rainwater from the Kannamangalam hill flowed freely through the Vengara stream into the Kadalundi River. With the new construction, water is now entering homes and schools.

Action to be taken if lapses are found

District Collector V.R. Vinod stated that strict action would be taken if the expert committee’s report identifies any negligence. He stressed that public safety is the top priority and assured that necessary precautions would be adopted during future construction. The NH Authority has also pledged to prevent similar incidents in the future. With both the highway and service road damaged in the Kooriyad area, traffic will be temporarily rerouted to ensure smooth flow, said District Police Chief R. Vishwanath and RTO B. Shafi.

Kooriyad at risk if rains persist

Farmers in the Kooriyad, Kolappuram, and Kuttur paddy regions remain anxious following the collapse of the highway near Vengara Kooriyad. Since construction began, they had raised concerns with officials and local representatives about the improper construction of culverts, which hinder the flow of water from the Kadalundi River across the highway and back into the river via the Kooriyad stream.

Their fears materialised during the last rainy season, when many farmers suffered crop losses and homes were flooded. Authorities reportedly continued construction without addressing these concerns. Farmers also complain that debris from the reconstruction work was never cleared from the Kooriyad paddy fields, and that the Vengara and Kaithathode streams remain blocked. Despite site visits by officials and representatives, no corrective action has yet been taken.

The Kuttur, Kooriyad, and Kolappuram paddy fields are vital to agriculture in the Vengara Grama Panchayat, supporting biannual paddy cultivation and vegetable farming. When the Kadalundi River rises during the monsoon, excess water is supposed to drain through the local streams and rejoin the river at Panampuzha Kadavu. However, due to the ongoing construction and residual debris, this natural drainage has been disrupted. With large soil heaps and concrete blocks still blocking stream entrances, the risk of flooding remains high. Locals are demanding immediate intervention.

Protest in Chavakkad

Meanwhile, residents and opposition leaders staged a protest at Chavakkad on Wednesday after another section of the under-construction NH-66 collapsed following two days of heavy rain. A large crowd gathered and blocked the highway, demanding assurances regarding the safety of the road and the people who use it.